Russian woman carried Ukraine placard at Winter Olympics opening ceremony in show of support

Описание: (17 Feb 2026)
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Milan, Italy - 06 February 2026
1. Still photo of Ukrainian athletes walking on stage during the Olympic opening ceremony at the 2026 Winter Olympics, led by Anastasia Kucherova who holds the country’s name placard ++MUTE++ AP26037786774364
2. Still photo Ukrainian athletes accompanied by Anastasia Kucherova holding the country’s name as they walk in the stadium during the Olympic opening ceremony ++MUTE++ AP26037763768605
3. Athletes from Ukraine attend the Olympic opening ceremony at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Anastasia Kucherova holding the country’s name placard ++MUTE++ AP26037765626515

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Milan, Italy - 16 February 2026
4. Close of Anastasia Kucherova’s face as she is interviewed
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Anastasia Kucherova, Placard bearer for Ukraine team at the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games:
“I chose to present Ukraine, to be the placard-bearer of Ukraine, because I've been supporting Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict with Russia. Even though I'm a Russian citizen, I don't support the actions of my country, ever since 2014, actually, when the unlawful and outrageous annexation of Crimea began. I've been against it, and I think Ukraine deserves all the attention of the world and all the support of the world. This was the reason I wanted to stand by them, even if it is quite difficult in my position.”
6. Close of Kucherova’s hands displaying nails painted in yellow and blue, colors of Ukraine’s flags
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Anastasia Kucherova, Placard bearer for Ukraine team at the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games:
“Because when you walk by the side of these people, you realize they have every right, every human right, to feel hatred towards any Russian. Still, I think it's important to do even a small action to show them that maybe not all the people are thinking the same way. There are actually a lot of friends of mine, a lot of people in Russia who can't say anything, who are so scared by the regime. And I felt it was something I owed to Ukrainians and to my fellow Russian friends too, something to… I couldn't speak up at that moment, but I could walk and do something with this little gesture."

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Milan, Italy - 06 February 2026
8. Still photo of Kucherova carrying the placard with the country’s name of Ukraine as she accompanies the Ukrainian athletes in the stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics ++MUTE++ AP26037765538801

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Milan, Italy - 16 February 2026
9. SOUNDBITE (English) Anastasia Kucherova, Placard bearer for Ukraine team at the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games:
“Right before walking through the Stargate I turned around, I didn't know what to say to them actually because it's very difficult to find the right words, but I just said that the entire stadium is going to give them the standing ovation when they walk into the stadium. There were just five people in Milan, and they were not so sure about my words, they were a little bit skeptical, but then I was so happy and so emotional when I actually walked into the stadium and I heard that roaring, it was something incredible. I think none of the countries received such great support from Milanese public, from international public, and I really hope that these incredible athletes felt welcome here.”

Milan, Italy - 06 February 2026

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